Unveiled Secret

EPILOGUE

The Château de Touloisse glowed golden in the late afternoon sun, its manicured gardens bursting with the vibrant colors of spring. Inside, the grand ballroom hummed with excitement as guests gathered for the annual charity gala.

Vivienne stood before the gilded mirror, adjusting the delicate diamond necklace adorning her neck. Her fingers lingered on the familiar weight of her mother's locket, now nestled beside the glittering gems. She smoothed the folds of her emerald gown, a soft smile playing on her lips as she caught sight of Henri's reflection approaching.

"You look radiant, my love," Henri murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing a gentle kiss to her temple.

Vivienne leaned into his embrace, their eyes meeting in the mirror. "And you, my dear Duc, are as handsome as ever."

Henri chuckled, a warm, rich sound that still sent a thrill through her after all this time. "Careful now, or we'll be fashionably late to our own gala."

"Would that be so terrible?" Vivienne turned in his arms, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I'm certain our guests could manage without us for a few moments longer."

Henri's eyes darkened with desire, but he shook his head with a rueful smile. "Temptress. You know we can't disappoint Madame Lefèvre. She'd never let us hear the end of it."

Vivienne sighed dramatically. "I suppose you're right. Though I do so love to see her flustered."

"Save that mischievous streak for later, mon coeur," Henri said, offering her his arm. "For now, we have a gala to host."

As they descended the grand staircase, a hush fell over the assembled guests. Vivienne's gaze swept the room, taking in the familiar faces of friends and neighbors, as well as a few newcomers. Her heart swelled with pride at the turnout – this year's gala promised to be their most successful yet.

At the foot of the stairs, Louis approached, beaming with pride. "Ah, there you are! I was beginning to wonder if you'd forgotten your own party."

Vivienne laughed, embracing him warmly. "As if you'd let us, Louis. You would've marched up there and dragged us down yourself."

Louis chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. "I considered it, trust me. But it's hard to interrupt such a beautiful picture in front of me." He gestured toward their guests, who mingled, laughter and chatter filling the expansive room. "Now, are you ready to meet the evening's benefactors? They've been anxiously waiting to make your acquaintance."

Vivienne exchanged a glance with Henri, who nodded encouragingly.

"Of course, lead the way," Vivienne replied, smoothing her gown as she followed Louis across the polished marble floor. Laughter and chatter swirled around them, mingling with the soft strains of the string quartet nestled in the corner.

Louis led them through the crowd to a distinguished-looking gentleman with salt-and-pepper hair and kind eyes. "Doctor Bennet! I'm so pleased you could make it."

Vivienne froze, her grip on Henri's arm tightening. Steven Bennet. The man who had saved her life all those years ago, who had reunited her with her family. She hadn't seen him since forever, and now here he was, standing before her as if no time had passed at all.

Steven's eyes widened in recognition, a mix of emotions flickering across his face. "Isabelle – I mean, Vivienne. It's... it's wonderful to see you again."

Henri tensed beside her, but Vivienne squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Doctor Bennet, what a lovely surprise. I had no idea you were in France."

Steven smiled, a touch of sadness in his eyes. "I've only recently returned. I spent some time in England, but... well, France has always felt like home."